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Frugal innovation and sustainable business models

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  • Hossain, Mokter

Abstract

This study aims to explore how frugal innovations (FIs) emerge at the grassroots level of developing countries and employ novel business models to contribute to sustainable development. It explores various business model elements, mainly viewed through the lens of value proposition, value creation, and value capture. FIs transform underserved customers at the grassroots level into novel consumer groups. By exploring three FI cases, this study contributes to the literature about FI business models. It shows how individuals with limited education, funds, and resources can bring affordable products to market using outside the box thinking to meet the needs of underserved customers in developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Hossain, Mokter, 2021. "Frugal innovation and sustainable business models," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:64:y:2021:i:c:s0160791x20313117
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2020.101508
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    Cited by:

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    2. Achtelik, Timo & Tiwari, Rajnish, 2022. "Ecological lightweight design for sustainable composites: Need for application of frugal engineering principles," Working Papers 114, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute for Technology and Innovation Management.
    3. Bhattacharjya, Bibhuti Ranjan & Bhaduri, Saradindu & Kakoty, Sashindra Kumar, 2023. "Co-creating community-led frugal innovation: An adapted Quadruple Helix?," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    4. Onsongo, Elsie K. & Knorringa, Peter & van Beers, Cees, 2023. "Frugal business model innovation in the Base of the Pyramid: The case of Philips Community Life Centres in Africa," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    5. Prema Nedungadi & Radhika Menon & Georg Gutjahr & Raghu Raman, 2023. "Adolescents as Ambassadors in Substance Abuse Awareness Programs: Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Effects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-15, February.
    6. Sarkar, Soumodip & Mateus, Sara, 2022. "Value creation using minimal resources – A meta-synthesis of frugal innovation," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).
    7. Achtelik, Timo & Herstatt, Cornelius & Tiwari, Rajnish, 2022. "Frugal sustainability: A new perspective to foster corporate sustainability," Working Papers 112, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute for Technology and Innovation Management, revised 2022.
    8. Hossain, Mokter, 2021. "Frugal innovation: Unveiling the uncomfortable reality," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    9. Sergio Ochoa-Jiménez & Beatriz Alicia Leyva-Osuna & Carlos Armando Jacobo-Hernández & Alma Rocío García-García, 2021. "Knowledge Management in Relation to Innovation and Its Effect on the Sustainability of Mexican Tourism Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-14, December.
    10. Hossain, Mokter & Park, Sukyung & Shahid, Subhan, 2023. "Frugal innovation for sustainable rural development," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).
    11. Jacek Woźniak & Wioletta Sylwia Wereda, 2023. "Shaping Frugal Innovation Processes, and Ensuring Security and Sustainable Development of Enterprises in the Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-22, February.
    12. Zviemurwi J. Chihambakwe & Sara S. (Saartjie) Grobbelaar & Stephen Matope, 2021. "Creating Shared Value in BoP Communities with Micro-Manufacturing Factories: A Systematized Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-22, September.

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